On January 16, 2026, representatives of the Public Union “Ukrainian Maritime Cluster” (UMC) — Executive Director Olena Zhukova and Supervisory Board members Sergii Gurskyi and Dmytro Bussov – took part in the General Assembly of the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA), during which the results of activities in 2025 were reviewed and key priorities for 2026 were outlined.
The event brought together cluster leaders, representatives of governing bodies, and UCA partners. Discussions focused on innovation-driven development, workforce development, support and scaling of emerging clusters, as well as priority areas of the defence and agri-food sectors. Particular attention was paid to intercluster cooperation, exchange of best practices, participation in joint activities such as forums and hackathons, and coordination of programmes and projects planned for 2026.
Representatives of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster actively engaged in substantive discussions on workforce development, addressing current labour market challenges, including the need to transition to more flexible education models, expand short-term training programmes, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and foster modern digital and interdisciplinary competencies. Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between education, science, and business, as well as the role of clusters as platforms for piloting innovative educational solutions and developing partnerships with international organisations.
The broader discussion also covered the development of the defence industry and international cooperation, including cluster participation in international events, engagement in European programmes and initiatives, adaptation of national standards to European Union requirements, and enhancement of intercluster coordination mechanisms.
In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed the strategic role of the cluster movement as a key instrument for innovation-driven growth, human capital development, and the formation of effective partnerships, contributing to the competitiveness of Ukrainian industries and Ukraine’s integration into the European economic space.